To Lift or Not To Lift

Many people, women especially, don’t understand the importance of lifting weights as it relates to health AND weight loss. Some women even fear that building muscle will make them look “bulky” or big. So let me just break it down for you.

Why is building muscle important to you?

1. Building muscle not only strengthens your muscles, it strengthens your bones! We all know women are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, but strength training can help prevent bone density loss!
2. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Let me say that one more time…the more muscle you have the more calories you burn. That means the more food you can eat. Gotta love that!
3. Last, but not least….you look better with a little muscle tone. It is amazing how gaining a little bit of muscle can make you look fantastic!

Weight lifting myths

1. You will look big and bulky, like a bodybuilder. WRONG! A moderate program isn't going to make your biceps bulge. It would take a lot of strength training (and testosterone for that matter) for a woman to start busting out of her clothes like the Incredible Hulk.
2. Strength training is only for the young. WRONG! Older people need it even more than the young, in order to counteract the decline in muscle strength that usually comes with aging, due to decreasing activity. If you're over 50, strength training can be your new best friend.
3. Strength training takes a lot of time to get results. WRONG! Strength training can be one of the fastest workouts—less time-consuming than cardio exercise like running or walking. Three 20-minute sessions a week (preferably not on consecutive days) can make a big difference.
   
   Now that I have you convinced, you may wonder where to start. Well, if haven’t done weight training before, it is best to have someone instruct you in the beginning. I can help! As a “traveling trainer”, I can come to your home, show you the proper way to do the most important moves, and give you a simple plan to follow. Drop me an email me at laurashell1999@gmail.com if you’re interested!